If the Houston Rockets decide to trade James Harden, the Miami Heat would reportedly be interested -- and open to trading Tyler Herro as part of the deal -- according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Harden, who was said to initially only have the Brooklyn Nets on his list of preferred trade destinations, has reportedly expanded his desired locales to include the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.
According to Jackson, the interest between Harden and the Heat is mutual. Recently, however, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported that the 76ers were the most likely destination for Harden in a potential trade.
To this point, though, all reporting has suggested that the Rockets have been adamant they won't be rushed into trading the three-time reigning scoring champ. Given that Harden is under contract for two more seasons, Houston has less incentive to move him quickly than if he were a pending free agent.
After reporting late to Houston's training camp, Harden is now in the process of taking six COVID-19 tests before joining the Rockets' full-team workouts.
Despite his recent off-court decisions, which included attending a birthday party in Atlanta for the rapper Lil Baby when he was supposed to be quarantining, Miami's apparent interest in Harden is unsurprising given his long-running stature as one of the NBA's most impactful scorers.
Jackson went on to note that Miami loves Herro and the player he could one day become, but that he would be in play if serious talks between the Heat and Rockets do take place.
Miami selected Herro 13th overall in last year's NBA Draft. He went on to enjoy a strong rookie year, averaging 13.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.9 per cent from beyond the arc. During the post-season, he elevated his play to the tune of 16 points per game and 5.1 rebounds as Miami made a run all the way to the NBA Finals.
